Serbian spruce (Picea omorika /Pančić/Purk.)

Serbian spruce is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is a living relic of the Ice Age and one of the most important endemic symbols of the natural heritage of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its exceptional ecological adaptability to steep limestone habitats testifies to its remarkable capacity for survival under extremely unfavourable conditions. As a threatened species, it is today a priority in activities aimed at the conservation of biological diversity.
The published monograph represents a synthesis of all knowledge about this species gathered over the 150 years since its discovery in 1875. Particular emphasis is placed on the author’s and his collaborators’ recent research, conducted over the last twenty years. Spanning 400 pages in a 24 × 29 cm format, Serbian spruce is presented through the following chapters:
1.    The history of the discovery and origin of Serbian spruce – “A living fossil in the 21st century”.
2.    Morphological characteristics and properties of Serbian spruce – “A rural legend of global renown”.
3.    Ecological characteristics of Serbian spruce – “A national treasure of global importance”.
4.    Sites of Serbian spruce – “The botanical Grail of the Drina River canyon”.
5.    Genetic research on Serbian spruce – “The lady among conifers”.
6.    Conservation of Serbian spruce – “An ice beauty in a time of thaw”.
7.    Significance and utilisation of Serbian spruce – “A princess with a rich dowry”.
8.    About Josif Pančić – “The shadow that shines”.
9.    Instead of a conclusion – “Serbian spruce – a tree of life and hope”.